Southwest Airlines started charging for checked baggage beginning May 28, 2025. This marked the end of their long-standing policy of allowing two free checked bags. From this date onward, passengers who book or change tickets starting May 28 will incur a fee of $35 for the first checked bag and $45 for the second checked bag on Basic, Wanna Get Away Plus, and Anytime fare categories. However, some customers are exempt from these fees:

• Business Select fare passengers still get two free checked bags.
• Rapid Rewards A-List Preferred members also retain the benefit of two free checked bags.
• Rapid Rewards A-List members get the first checked bag free, with fees applied to the second.
• Southwest Airlines co-branded credit card holders receive the first checked bag free.
• Military service members continue to have all their checked bags free.

Tickets purchased before May 28, 2025, remain under the old policy with two free checked bags. These new fees align Southwest with other major U.S. airlines, which charge similar amounts for checked baggage.